Final answer:
The supply chain of a global brand, such as the iPhone, involves designing, sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution, and can result in ethical dilemmas like labor rights issues. Advances in technology and transport can address supply chain issues, but ethical labor practices require corporate commitment at international and national levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The supply chain of a global brand like Apple's iPhone is an example of how specialized and fragmented modern production processes can become. It typically involves stages such as designing in the United States, sourcing parts from countries like Korea, manufacturing or assembly in places such as China, and marketing and distribution worldwide. Each step of the supply chain allows for gains in efficiency and innovation, but it can also lead to ethical dilemmas, such as labor rights issues.
One ethical dilemma within this supply chain is the labor practices at manufacturing sites. Despite the potential for technological and transportation advancements to improve supply chain management, the protection of labor rights is still a significant challenge. Companies must commit to changing labor policies to ensure fair working conditions, adequate wages, and respect for labor rights, not only through international agreements but also at national levels.
In the fashion industry, similar ethical concerns arise regarding environmental impacts and unethical labor practices. There's a growing public demand for better production practices and corporate accountability, especially in the clothing and apparel sector, where consumers expect more ethical buying habits from the retailers.